Looking Back

LOOKING BACK...
2008 Headlines

Meagan Charms Everyone!

Meagan is delightful and irresitable! She is so much fun and is learning and growing way too fast! Her current favorites are books, babies, and bananas!

Bethany—Scholar and Sitter at the University of Utah

Despite recent distractions... Bethany has kept her scholarship at University of Utah (Sugar Bowl Champions!!!) and is considering majoring in Math. She is currently working at the Preschool/Day Care Center on campus. She loves working with children from many different countries and nationalities (Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Korean, etc...). Some days she learns as much from her four year old friends as she does from her professors (maybe more)! She has mastered the TRAX system and made lots of trips to Tremonton this past year. We live for her visits (Life is better in every way when she is around!) and hope they continue now that Stetsen is with her in SLC.

Award Wining Rebecca!

Rebecca had a great time with her school's science fair this year. Her experiment about natural and artificial preservatives won 3rd place! Rebecca's musical talents have also bloomed this year as she has participated in her Intermediate School's Orchestra program and taken violin lessons from her sister, Janelle. She has also made great accomplishments on the piano. Her family loves to listen to her practice. She has performed in recitals, at the local Nursing Home, and as prelude in Primary many Sundays. She has also written her own songs, one of which won the Reflections Contest at her school!

Heather’s Birthday Promotion… Moving up in the Big Business World!

Heather turned 20 on March 17, 2008. She was delighted to leave the "Teen Scene" behind. She was also delighted and surprised to be called in to her bosses office that morning and offered a promotion! Although she had worked for the company for less than a year, she was highly recommended by all department heads to serve in the position as Executive Assistant. She now has her own office and handles marketing and other projects for Impact Commercial. She loves her job and the people she works with!

Janelle turns 16! Now Dating, Driving, and Doing Dishes

Janelle's 16th birthday was a day to remember! She had a fun first date and then many to follow... She gradually completed her driver's Training and the 40+ hours she needed to get her driver's lisence! She is looking forward to more independence. She also got her first real job this year working as a busser at a local restaurant. She sets and clears tables and washes MOUNTAINS of dishes. They are only open on Friday and Saturday nights, so although this cuts into her socail life a bit, it does give her time during the week to focus on her heavy load of classes at the high school.

Jensen’s big adventures to Atlanta Georgia and LasVegas Nevada!

Brianna and Nick have had an exciting year! For Spring Break, they traveled to The Atlanta Georgia area to get to know some of Nick's family and see the sights. They loved the cousins and had a great time at the ZOO! Then in December they took another trip to LasVegas to celebrate their 2nd Anniversary as well as Brianna's graduation. You can read more about their adventures on their blog (www. bri-and-boy.blogspot.com)

Mr. Stamps goes to Washington

Eric received a grant to tour Washington DC with a group of teachers from Utah. He packed all he could into a full week of sight seeing. He enjoyed making new friends, seeing the monuments, exploring the Smithsonian, seeing Gettysburg, and a picnic with the Austins!

Heather Marries Garrick Everton!

Heather and Garrick were married for eternity in the Logan Temple on July 2, 2008. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and dance at USU Alumni Center. They honeymooned in CA and had fun at Disneyland and on the beach. They are currently living in Logan where they are working and going to school.

Joseph Baptized 7-05-08

Joseph was excited to turn eight and be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by his dad on July 5, 2008. Many family members gathered to celebrate the special occasion! We are all proud of his readiness and his choice.

Spencer Hikes 50 Miles in the Uintahs with his Dad


Spencer and Eric hiked 50 miles in the Uintahs with the scouts from our ward. They packed in all of their food and supplies for a week and climbed to 11,080 ft. Spencer said the best part was view from Robert's Pass.

Joseph Excels in Cub Scouts

Joseph loves cub scouts! His den meets just a few houses away and he runs there every Wednesday afternoon. He makes crafts, plays games, and learns all kind of things to pass off his requirements. He has almost finished earning his WOLF! He also had a great over-nighter in the back yard with the family... tent, sleeping bags, smores and all! (Now that's the way to camp!)

Rebecca Hits Stride at District Pentathlon, Community Races, Traveling Soccer Team

Rebecca's on the fast track to success as a runner. She won several 1 mile races and covered many miles on the soccer field! She is positive and enthusiastic and has very long legs!

Sarah Spots Wild Animals in SLC

Sarah made sure we didn't miss a thing on our family vacation to Salt Lake City. We had a fun night at the University Inn, saw the sights around town and Explored all of Hogle Zoo. We saw birds, elephants, giraffes, zebras, aligators, lions, tigers, and bears! Oh My!

Amy Leads the Way to Ensign Peak!

While in SLC this summer, we played in the park, toured Temple Square, and swam in the pool. But one of our favorite outings was a hike to Ensign Peak. The hike was not too far or too steep. Amy led the way and we were all amazed at the view of the Salt Lake Valley from the Top. No wonder Brigham Young said "This is the right place!"

Sarah Leads the Way in McKinley Student Council!

Sarah has had a fun time being on her school's student council. She gets to make video skits, help with announcements, assemblies, and newsletters. She also helps with other service projects and recycling. Her favorite part is making videos about character traits to show the school. She likes working together with some new good friends.

Spencer Reaches New Heights!

Spencer turned 14 this September. He is growing UP in many ways. He now stands taller than the rest of the family (5 foot 10 inches), and is reaching exciting new milestones. He was ordained to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. We are grateful for the love and support of our extended family.

Amy - Top of her Class 1st Grader!

Amy loves going to school all day now. She thinks 1st grade is great . She has awonderful teacher and many new friends. She loves reading, computers, library, and RECESS

Meagan on the Move!

Smiling... Sitting... Crawling... Standing... Walking... Running... and Dancing!

Meagan has grown so much this year! Everything is new and exciting. She has gone from being a snuggly sweet infant to a silly spunky toddler! Lucky for us, she is still just as sweet and loves to snuggle! She is adored by her family and seeing the world through her eyes makes everything better!

Janelle Achieves Personal Best at Regional Cross Country Meet

Janelle went out for cross country again this year. She gave it 100% (like she does with everything she commits to). She did her best ever (22:29.8) at the Regional Cross Country meet despite struggling with injuries throughout the season. She loves to run (even if it makes her puke?!?!?) and has lots of great friends on the team. She is in great shape and a good example to all of us! We only wish we could keep up...

Ponytails gone for Good!

For Christmas Amy and Sarah bravely cut 10+ inches off their long ponytails to donate to Locks for Love. (An organization that makes wigs for children without hair due to cancer treatments or other diseases.) Their new looks are fun and bouncy and cute!

Brianna graduates from USU!

After many long semesters, Brianna graduated from Utah State with a BS Degree in English Literature on Dec 13, 2008! We are so proud of her hard work and determination!!! It is a HUGE accomplishment, (even if she doesn't really like English...). We had a great graduation party with many of her biggest fans. She is now looking for work in the SLC area where they plan to move this spring so Nick can continue his studies at the University of Utah.

Bethany Marries Stetsen Womack!

Bethany and Stetsen Womack were married in the Logan Temple on December 27, 2008. It was a beautiful, white, wintery day, and most of us were freezing in the wind and snow, but I don't think Bethany and Stetsen hardly noticed :) They are so happy together! We had a fun reception at our Stake Center in Tremonton and now they are settled in SLC and are ready to get busy with school and work.

Jenny and Eric Keep Juggling

We are trying to keep up with our busy, growing family! ... Along with commitments at school, church, and in the community... We can't believe how blessed we are!